High Power Inline Variable Fiber Attenuator
0.1-12dB USB/RS232
(up to 100W high power, all fiber types, high precision 0.2dB repeatability)
AGILTRON®
Product Overview
This All-Fiber Variable Lossless VOA (Variable Optical Attenuator) offers near-lossless transmission in the open/transparent state and electrical control attenuation of up to 10dB with an optical power of up to 10W. Attenuation is generated by applying bending stresses to the fiber with a precision motor. The unique design maintains high polarization extinction ratio under stress. The HPVO series of VOAs beneficially features high optical power handling, near-lossless performance in the open/transparent state, and ultra-broadband characteristics that preserve the fiber's intrinsic transmission. The design is compatible with all types of fibers. Heat is transferred to the metal base, requiring mounting onto a heat sink.
Features
- Lossless
- Broadband
- High Power
- All Fiber Types
- Up To 20W
Applications
- Instrument
- Laboratory
- High Power Fiber
- Lasers
Specifications
| Parameter | Min | Typical | Max | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wavelength | 300 - 5000 | nm | ||
| Insertion Loss [1] | 0.00 | 0.01 | 0.1 | dB |
| Attenuation Resolution | Continuous | dB | ||
| Attenuation Range [2] | 0 | 12 | dB | |
| Polarization Dependent Loss | 0.02 | 0.1 | dB | |
| Stability [3] | 1 | dB | ||
| Return Loss | 60 | dB | ||
| Response Time | 300 | ms | ||
| Power Handling | 10 | W | ||
| DC Power Voltage | 5 | V | ||
| Power Consumption | 0.5 | W | ||
| Operating Temperature | -10 | 70 | °C | |
| Storage Temperature | -40 | 85 | °C |
Notes:
- [1]. Excluding connectors. Each connector adds 0.3dB loss and 2dB ER reduction for PM fiber.
- [2]. For SM 9/125 fiber. Other fiber types may differ.
- [3]. Measured at 10dB attenuation; low attenuation is more stable.
Note: The specifications provided are for general applications with a cost-effective approach. If you need to narrow or expand the tolerance, coverage, limit, or qualifications, please contact Agiltron.
Mechanical Dimensions (mm)
The device is a compact, rectangular unit. Diagrams show the overall dimensions and port locations. The main body measures approximately 97mm in length and 58mm in width. The height is around 38.9mm. Key connection interfaces include:
- Micro USB port
- RS232 (DB9) connector
- 12V DC Power Jack
Ordering Information
The ordering code is constructed using the following components:
| Prefix | Configuration | Type | Test Wavelength [1] | Fiber Type | Fiber Cover | Fiber Length | Connector [2] |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| HPVO- | Normally Open = 1 | 450 = 4 532 = 5 630 = 6 780 = 7 850 = 8 980 = 9 1060 = 1 1310 = 3 1550 = C 2000 = 2 Special = 0 |
Select from the table below | 900um tube = 3 3mm tube = 4 Special = 0 |
0.25m = 1 0.5m = 2 1.0m = 3 Special = 0 |
None = 1 FC/PC = 2 FC/APC = 3 SC/PC = 4 SC/APC = 5 ST/PC = 6 LC/UPC = 7 Special=0 |
[1]. The device is ultra-broadband, limited by the fiber transmission.
[2]. High power connectors require special ordering and may incur additional costs (approximately $420 each).
Fiber Type Selection Table:
| Code | Fiber Type | Code | Fiber Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | SMF-28 | 34 | PM1550 |
| 02 | SMF-28e | 35 | PM1950 |
| 03 | Corning XB | 36 | PM1310 |
| 04 | SM450 | 37 | PM400 |
| 05 | SM1950 | 38 | PM480 |
| 06 | SM600 | 39 | PM630 |
| 07 | Hi780 | 40 | PM850 |
| 08 | SM800 | 41 | PM980 |
| 09 | SM980 | 42 | PM780 |
| 10 | Hi1060 | 43 | |
| 11 | SM400 | 44 | PM405 |
| 12 | 45 | PM460 | |
| 13 | K | 800/NA.22 | |
| 71 | MM 50/125µm | ||
| 72 | MM 62.5µm | ||
| 73 | 105/125µm | ||
| 74 | FG105LCA | ||
| 75 | FG50LGA | ||
| 76 | STP 50/125 | ||
| 77 | IRZS23 | ||
| 78 | IRZS32 | ||
| E | 105/NA.22 | ||
| F | 200/NA.22 | ||
| G | 300/NA.22 | ||
| H | 400/NA.22 | ||
| J | 600/NA.22 |
Application Notes
Fiber Core Alignment
Note that the minimum attenuation for these devices depends on excellent core-to-core alignment when the connectors are mated. This is crucial for shorter wavelengths with smaller fiber core diameters, as it can increase the loss by many decibels above the specification if they are not perfectly aligned. Different vendors' connectors may not mate well with each other, especially for angled APC.
Fiber Cleanliness
Fibers with smaller core diameters (<5 µm) must be kept extremely clean. Contamination at fiber-fiber interfaces, combined with the high optical power density, can lead to significant optical damage. This type of damage usually requires re-polishing or replacement of the connector.
Maximum Optical Input Power
Due to their small fiber core diameters for short wavelength and high photon energies, the damage thresholds for the device are substantially reduced compared to common 1550nm fiber. To avoid damage to the exposed fiber end faces and internal components, the optical input power should never exceed 20 mW for wavelengths shorter than 650nm. Agiltron produces a special version to increase the power handling by expanding the core side at the fiber ends.
Operation Instructions
Plug and Play
- Connect the optical fibers.
- Connect the included power supply.
- Connect the device to a computer using the provided interface cable.
- Load the GUI software onto the computer using the supplied memory disk.
- Launch the GUI; the device will operate according to specifications.
Command List
Control via UART command (in HEX):
The baud rate setting is 115200-N-8-1.
-
Set Attenuation DB num:
0x01 0x12 <DB higher byte> <DB lower byte>
Return: None
Example:0x01 0x12 0x03 0xE8-> set device to -10.00 DB -
Check Current Attenuation Level DB num:
0x01 0x1A 0x00 0x00
Return:<Current DB higher byte> <Current DB Lower byte>
Example:0x01 0x1A 0x00 0x00RTN:0x03 0xE8-> The current DB is set to -10.00 DB -
Check The Communication with The HPVO:
Explain: This command can be used to check whether the correct COM port is used.
0x01 0x02 0x00 0x00
Return:0x41 0x30
Connectors
Power Connector
The device uses a 12V Wall Plug DC Power Supply Interface. The connector is a Power Barrel Connector Jack with a 2.00mm ID (0.079") and 5.50mm OD (0.217"), designed for Through Hole, Right Angle mounting.
RS232 Connector
The device features an RS232 Connector, specifically a DB9 (DE-9) type.
